Malacañang on Thursday denounced the circulation of a supposed police report that linked First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos to the sudden death of businessman Paolo Tantoco in March, branding it as completely false and politically motivated.
Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro described the document as a “huge lie peddled by obstructionists,” condemning those who are exploiting a private tragedy for political gain.
“It is saddening that grieving private people are being dragged into politicking. They are being used by obstructionists to destroy the First Lady, the President and his administration,” Castro said. “Their acts are embarrassing.”
The controversy erupted after former press secretary Rigoberto Tiglao shared an image on Facebook that appeared to show a report from a Beverly Hills police records supervisor. The document claimed that “Lisa Araneta Marcos” was at the Beverly Hilton Hotel when Tantoco was found unconscious on March 8. According to the report, hotel security was already performing chest compressions when police arrived. Despite emergency efforts, the businessman was pronounced dead at 12:05 p.m., with an initial cause of death suspected to be drug overdose.
Castro emphasized that the First Lady was not part of Tantoco’s circle during her Los Angeles trip in March. “The First Lady had a security service provided by the US. She was also escorted by the PSC (Presidential Security Command). She did not stay in the hotel of Mr. Tantoco. She was in another hotel,” she clarified.
She added that the First Lady remains unfazed by the allegations, standing firm in her knowledge of the facts. The Palace is now considering legal action against those responsible for spreading the fabricated report.
